Unveiling the Truth Behind the Ethnic Diversity in the French National Football Team

The composition of the French national football team has been a topic of discussion, particularly regarding the representation of ethnic European/white French players. Despite the majority of the population being ethnically French, there is limited diversity among the players. This article aims to clarify the reasons behind this phenomenon and emphasizes the merit-based selection process over ethnic considerations.

Understanding the Ethnical French Population

The French national football team is comprised of players who are deeply rooted in French culture. All of them are born in France, raised in the French education system, and hold French citizenship. The color of their skin is irrelevant to their status as ethnic French. There is no legal concept of 'ethnic French,' andNavBar of national identity is based on nationality and cultural heritage, not ethnicity.

Merit-Based Selection

Selection for the French national football team is based on individual merit. Players need to be dedicated to the sport to such an extent that their academic performance could suffer. Affluent families do not take the risk of sacrificing their children's education for a professional football career, as only about 1% of those training for it succeed in becoming professionals.

Interest in Sports and Cultural Factors

The argument that white French people have less interest in sports cannot be confirmed. The 2018 World Cup, for example, was controversial, leading to lower overall interest. Additionally, the demographics of fans watching football games in pubs today look similar to those from 8 years ago, when the French team was predominantly white. Culture, not skin color, defines the team.

Equality in Sport

Sports, particularly football, are not influenced by skin color. The best players are selected, regardless of their background. The higher representation of black players in football can be explained by the numerous training centers and academies throughout France, which evaluate players based on their skills, academic performance, and behavior. Footballers with long hair do not face similar representation issues as academies are open to all candidates who meet the criteria.

Famous examples and misunderstandings

Players like Kylian Mbappé and Samuel Umtiti have broken stereotypes. Mbappé, despite media speculation about his immigrant parents, grew up in a middle-class environment, attended a private Catholic school, and received a conservative education. His success is attributed to his merit, not his skin color. There is no evidence of recruiters targeting specific neighborhoods or communities for recruitment. The training centers are widespread and open to all, regardless of origin.

Legal Protection Against Discrimination

The French government is committed to eliminating discrimination. Positive action based on race is not permitted, as evidenced by the fact that women and disabled individuals are the only groups benefiting from such measures. The success of black players in football is a reflection of their talent and hard work, not their ethnicity.

Conclusion

The ethnic diversity in the French national football team is a reflection of merit, training, and academic performance, not ethnicity or cultural background. The current composition is a testament to the equal opportunities available to all French players, regardless of their skin color. It is crucial to recognize and celebrate the talent of these players, rather than focusing on their ethnicity.